Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Nampa, ID: $23.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Nampa, ID runs $23.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,998 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Nampa's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.3, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,399 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Nampa, Idaho, dental assistants can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $23.56, which is slightly below the national median of $23.84. This hourly rate provides a solid foundation for both part-time and per-diem workers, who typically find employment in various settings, including general dentistry offices, pediatric exam rooms, and oral surgery facilities. The hourly pay can vary significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $17.66, while experienced dental assistants can earn as much as $30.17. These figures are derived from projections based on the 2025 BLS data, reflecting the estimated compensation landscape for dental assistants in the region.
About the Nampa Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.66 | $141.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.23 | $169.81 |
| Median (P50) | $23.56 | $188.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.34 | $226.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.17 | $241.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Nampa
Based on $23.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.56/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Nampa, ID can expect to earn approximately $48,999 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,269. With a cost-of-living index of 95.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Nampa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Nampa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $942.29 | $4,083 | $48,999 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $565.37 | $2,450 | $29,399 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $376.91 | $1,633 | $19,600 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Nampa) | $23.56 |
| Dental Hygienist (National Avg) | $42.45 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Pharmacy Technician (National Avg) | $19.27 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
Dental Assistants in Nampa, ID earn a median of $48,998 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.17% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 2.90% above the Idaho state average of $47,617.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.56/hr = $29,399/year (purchasing power: $30,849).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,999/year (purchasing power: $51,415).
CoL index: 95.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Nampa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Nampa grew 19.9% from $19.04/hr (2019) to $22.84/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.30/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dental assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Nampa metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.14% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Dental Assistant in Nampa
Analyzing the earnings potential for dental assistants in Nampa sheds light on the choices between part-time and per-diem work. A dental assistant working three days per week, for a total of 24 hours, would earn approximately $29,651 annually, contrasting sharply with full-time counterparts who benefit from higher total compensation. Per-diem opportunities are especially attractive, offering pay rates ranging from $22 to $35 an hour, with specialty positions in oral surgery or orthodontics fetching between $28 and $45 per hour. In Nampa, employer types can influence pay rates; for instance, large dental service organizations like Heartland and Aspen often standardize pay across offices, while specialized practices might offer higher rates but fewer hours. Some dental assistants may opt for slightly lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits, making employer choice a vital consideration. For those navigating these options, skills in negotiation and an understanding of local market rates can significantly impact achieving desirable pay outcomes.
More salary data for Nampa, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH
Career Analyst
Maria Gonzalez has over 10 years of experience in dental assisting. She specializes in pediatric dentistry. She works in a private dental practice.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for dental assistants in Nampa. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Nampa is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.14%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental assistants (SOC 31-9091).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov